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End-of-Life Issues

For an oncologist, finding the appropriate words to comfort a family who is facing the loss of a loved one can be difficult. This section addresses how different groups—oncologists, patients, and caregivers—think about end-of-life care issues. This section discusses an oncologist's responsibility and perspective when it comes to difficult subjects such as advanced cancer, hospice, do not resuscitate orders, cytotoxic therapy, supportive care, maintaining a patient's dignity, and imminent death. Articles in this series also discuss the role of spirituality and religion at the time of death, and the importance of good communication between the oncologist and family members throughout the dying process.

Cancer.Net provides timely, comprehensive, oncologist-approved information from the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), with support from the Conquer Cancer Foundation. Cancer.Net brings the expertise and resources of ASCO to people living with cancer and those who care for and about them to help patients and families make informed health care decisions.